First Flare

[knoone]

I am experiencing my first flare. I was diagnosed with positive biopsy in May and was on 60 mg for five weeks. Been tapering 2.5 mg per week. This Monday's taper went from 37.5 mg to 35. On Tuesday, severe jaw/tooth/ear pain started on my effected side. I took 40 mg. Tuesday night and Wednesday and the pain went away (pain relievers did nothing). How long would you suggest I stay on the 40mg, and when to reduce?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

At least a week, maybe two to be sure.

Then, if you are continuing with 2.5mg taper switch to fortnightly rather than weekly. A week at each dose is not long enough to know that dose is controlling symptoms before you taper again.

Even though these quick taper are working at the moment - you will need to leave more time between each one as you get lower. As we know, it’s get more difficult to reduce as you get lower on the medication - not so much “spare” to juggle with. Plus you need to remember the not more than 10% of current dose as well.

Hope the 40mg sorts things.

[knoone in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. The Rhumy recommended 2.5 per week till I get to 30Mg then 2.5 every other week. I think I will start the 2.5 every other week now as I too think 2.5 every week is too aggressive. I will contact the Rhumy to discuss.

[jinasc]

Do not do anything stay at 40mg and contact your Rheumy pronto..............too fast in reducing. Rule is no more than 10% at a time. I stayed at the reduction dose for 4 weeks at a time. However that was over 8 years ago and reduction plans are available on this site................Pinned Posts........top right hand corner. Take a look.

[SnazzyD]

Have you had infection in teeth or ear ruled out as well? You are immunosupressed and more likely to get them but Pred will suppress the symptoms. However, you know if the symptoms were exactly the same as before or not.

[Hellyowl]

Speak to your Rheumy. I managed 2 flares myself and with advice of GP. Rheumy was very cross as there were no blood tests or proper discussion of symptoms on my record. Also she said between me an GP I went too high for too long with my pred dose because GP panicked.

[Marijo1951]

My advice would be to go to A&E at the hospital where you are treated. Give the receptionist your hospital number and ask to see a member of the rheumatology team. This is what my rheumy advised me to do in the event of a flare. With GCA your sight is at risk so you need to be checked out thoroughly. I agree with others that your taper seems rather quick.